In 2013, Uniform Architectural Ltd, was established to introduce the uni_one® aluminium timber Composite Window System to the UK, from the Uniform Group, Italy. Uniform SpA are the designers, pioneers and manufacturers of this unique alu-clad system, which has grown over 30 years to a 35 million Euro turnover – but all in Tilt & Turn windows, the predominant type used in Europe.
However, open-out casement windows account for 70% of UK windows, so the innovative and enthusiastic Italians, began to design their new casement composite window system, seeking to improve on anything that was already available in our market. So often, in history, when innovation comes from behind, it transcends everything that has gone before – and so it is, with their revolutionary introduction “Format38”.
Now available in UK, Format 38 has the following winning advantages:-
1. Format38 is minimalistic!
Current fashion trends are for the slimmest window profiles possible, providing elegance in design and allowing-in more natural light.
Format38 has the narrowest aluminium composite window frames in the World, being only 38mm wide. This compares with 54mm from most other supplies, thus a 30% reduction of frame intensity, giving more light.
Please open this video link for a brief intro:- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J5i123Thbe8
2. Format38 is symmetrical!
Due to the unique and innovative design of the outward-opening, casement sashes, perfect symmetry has been achieved, in that the sashes are no wider than the adjacent fixed lights, so that they are indistinguishable from one another, right across the external façade.
3. Format38 is robust!
Perhaps counter-intuitively – Format38 is significantly stronger and more robust than many competitors, despite its narrower frame profiles. This is demonstrated by the fact that balcony doors can be supplied taller and wider than other suppliers – enabling a weight of 90kgs per sash to be achievable – which, in turn, enables triple glazing (for ultra-low U values) and/or thicker/heavier glass for the highest acoustic performance.
4. Format38 is secure!
Security is a critical and fundamental requirement for all composite windows and doors. Therefore, Format38 is not only SBD certified – but it has also passed European Security standards:-
a) Mechanical Strength ISO EN 12400 for a glass balcony door 1000 x 2440mm.
b) As well as the brutal, Burglar Resistant Test, ISO EN 1627 – RC2N, which can be viewed by opening this hyperlink > https://youtu.be/iMZ6AdRdXsM
Furthermore, both test certificates are available, upon application, or attached.
Format38 is a ‘window wall’!
Whilst designed as individual aluminium clad timber windows and doors, Format38 can also be produced as a continuous wall of repetitive windows of any length and up to 3.5 metres high. Where any additional strength is required to resist wind loading on high-rise developments, this is readily available from concealed, steel supports, incorporated into the window design, as can be seen from the introductory video, above.
Finally, all the other benefits of the uni_one Composite Window experience, continue to be available with Format38, as follows:-
- Class 2 Qualicoat ppc finish to minimize corrosion, esp. in coastal areas.
- 12 beautiful, extremely hard wearing, permanent, internal finishes. Maintenance free!
- Fully vulcanised gaskets as standard.
- Delivered on certified steel pallets for crane hoisting straight off the truck.
- Highest acoustic ratings at Rw46
- Lowest thermal insulation U-values below 0.79 W/M2K
